One of the most talented players in NBA history, Tracy McGrady retired from basketball on Aug. 26, 2013. Take a look back at his career, from high school to the NBA Finals and all points in between, including his five-year run with the Rockets. less

One of the most talented players in NBA history, Tracy McGrady retired from basketball on Aug. 26, 2013. Take a look back at his career, from high school to the NBA Finals and all points in between, including ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>1997 NBA draft</center></strong>
The Toronto Raptors selected Tracy McGrady with the ninth pick in the first round of the 1997 NBA draft.

<center><strong>1997 NBA draft</center></strong>
The Toronto Raptors selected Tracy McGrady with the ninth pick in the first round of the 1997 NBA draft.

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein / Getty Images

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<center><strong>1997-98 season</center></strong>
As a rookie, McGrady (shown here on the back of Scottie Pippen) played in 64 games and had averages of 7.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. less

<center><strong>1997-98 season</center></strong>
As a rookie, McGrady (shown here on the back of Scottie Pippen) played in 64 games and had averages of 7.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists per ... more

Photo: Rene Johnston / Associated Press

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<center><strong>1998-99 season</center></strong>
McGrady played in only 49 games in his second season, posting averages of 9.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

<center><strong>1998-99 season</center></strong>
McGrady played in only 49 games in his second season, posting averages of 9.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

Photo: Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

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<center><strong>1999-00 season</center></strong>
McGrady's final season in Toronto was his best as he averaged 15.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 79 games with the Raptors. less

<center><strong>1999-00 season</center></strong>
McGrady's final season in Toronto was his best as he averaged 15.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 79 games with the ... more

Photo: Tannis Toohey / Associated Press

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<center><strong>2000 slam dunk contest</center></strong>
McGrady competed in one of the greatest dunk contests in history. T-Mac had a strong showing, but his cousin and Raptors teammate, Vince Carter, won the memorable event. less

<center><strong>2000 slam dunk contest</center></strong>
McGrady competed in one of the greatest dunk contests in history. T-Mac had a strong showing, but his cousin and Raptors teammate, Vince Carter, won ... more

<center><strong>2000-01 season</center></strong>
The first of his four seasons in Orlando saw his scoring average rise from 15.4 to 26.8. T-Mac was named to the All-Star for first time in his career. less

<center><strong>2000-01 season</center></strong>
The first of his four seasons in Orlando saw his scoring average rise from 15.4 to 26.8. T-Mac was named to the All-Star for first time in his ... more

Photo: Roy Dabner / Associated Press

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<center><strong>2001-02 season</center></strong>
McGrady made his second All-Star appearance in his fifth season in the NBA. He averaged 25.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

<center><strong>2001-02 season</center></strong>
McGrady made his second All-Star appearance in his fifth season in the NBA. He averaged 25.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

Photo: Mark Von Wehrden / Associated Press

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<center><strong>2002-03 season</center></strong>
McGrady won his first NBA scoring title as he averaged 32.1 points.

<center><strong>2002-03 season</center></strong>
McGrady won his first NBA scoring title as he averaged 32.1 points.

Photo: Duane Burleson / Associated Press

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<center><strong>2003-04 season</center></strong>
McGrady won his second consecutive NBA scoring title in his final season with the Magic. T-Mac averaged 28.0 points in 67 games.

<center><strong>2003-04 season</center></strong>
McGrady won his second consecutive NBA scoring title in his final season with the Magic. T-Mac averaged 28.0 points in 67 games.

Photo: Gary W. Green / Associated Press

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<center><strong>Traded to Rockets</center></strong><br>On June 29, 2004, Tracy McGrady, Juwan Howard, Tyronn Lue, and Reece Gaines were traded to the Rockets in a seven-player deal that sent Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, and Kelvin Cato to the Magic. less

<center><strong>Traded to Rockets</center></strong><br>On June 29, 2004, Tracy McGrady, Juwan Howard, Tyronn Lue, and Reece Gaines were traded to the Rockets in a seven-player deal that sent Steve Francis, ... more

Photo: Christobal Perez / Chronicle file

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<center><strong>2004-05 season</center></strong>
Tracy McGrady played in a career-high 78 games in his first season with the Rockets. McGrady made the All-Star team. The season was McGrady's best season in Houston as he averaged 25.7 points with 6.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists. McGrady again fell short of advancing past the first round of the playoffs as the Rockets lost to the Dallas Mavericks in seven games. less

<center><strong>2004-05 season</center></strong>
Tracy McGrady played in a career-high 78 games in his first season with the Rockets. McGrady made the All-Star team. The season was McGrady's best season in ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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McGrady is responsible for one of the most improbable comebacks in NBA history, when he single-handedly brought the Rockets back to beat the Spurs on December 9, 2004. His barrage of three pointers (and one four point play) will remain in Houstonians' hearts forever. less

McGrady is responsible for one of the most improbable comebacks in NBA history, when he single-handedly brought the Rockets back to beat the Spurs on December 9, 2004. His barrage of three pointers (and one ... more

Photo: JAMES NIELSEN / HOUSTON CHRONICLE

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<center><strong>2005-06 season</center></strong>
McGrady played in only 47 games and the Rockets missed the playoffs in his second year in Houston. Despite his injury problems, he was voted to the All-Star Game that was to be played in Houston at Toyota Center. less

<center><strong>2005-06 season</center></strong>
McGrady played in only 47 games and the Rockets missed the playoffs in his second year in Houston. Despite his injury problems, he was voted to the All-Star ... more

Photo: Sharon Steinmann / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>2006 All-Star Game</center></strong><br>McGrady had 36 points to lead all scorers in his sixth All-Star appearance while playing in front of a home crowd at Toyota Center. He missed the potential game-winning shot and also lost out on the MVP award to LeBron James. less

<center><strong>2006 All-Star Game</center></strong><br>McGrady had 36 points to lead all scorers in his sixth All-Star appearance while playing in front of a home crowd at Toyota Center. He missed the ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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<center><strong>2006-07 season</center></strong><br>McGrady helped lead the Rockets to the fifth best record in the league while averaging 24.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.3 rebounds. The Rockets were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Jazz in seven games. less

<center><strong>2006-07 season</center></strong><br>McGrady helped lead the Rockets to the fifth best record in the league while averaging 24.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.3 rebounds. The Rockets were ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / HOUSTON CHRONICLE

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<center><strong>2007-08 season</center></strong><br>McGrady helped the Rockets win a franchise-record 22 straight games during the regular season, but was nursing shoulder and knee injuries by the time the playoffs came along. The Rockets drew a rematch with the Jazz and were eliminated once again in the sixth game of the first round despite McGrady's 40 points and 10 rebounds. less

<center><strong>2007-08 season</center></strong><br>McGrady helped the Rockets win a franchise-record 22 straight games during the regular season, but was nursing shoulder and knee injuries by the time the ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>2008-09 season</center></strong><br>McGrady only played 35 games in the 2008-09 season, but the Rockets did fine without him. Houston won its first round playoff series against the Blazers and took the eventual NBA champion Lakers to a seven-game battle in the second round before bowing out of the post season. less

<center><strong>2008-09 season</center></strong><br>McGrady only played 35 games in the 2008-09 season, but the Rockets did fine without him. Houston won its first round playoff series against the Blazers and ... more

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>2009-10 season</center></strong><br>McGrady only played in six games with the Rockets during the 2009–10 season due to injuries. He was traded to the New York Knicks in February. less

<center><strong>2009-10 season</center></strong><br>McGrady only played in six games with the Rockets during the 2009–10 season due to injuries. He was traded to the New York Knicks in ... more

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>Traded to Knicks</center></strong><br>On February 18, 2010, McGrady was traded to the New York Knicks as part of a three-team trade involving Houston, New York, and the Sacramento Kings. less

<center><strong>Traded to Knicks</center></strong><br>On February 18, 2010, McGrady was traded to the New York Knicks as part of a three-team trade involving Houston, New York, and the Sacramento ... more

Photo: Nick Laham / Getty Images

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<center><strong>Signs with Pistons</center></strong><br>On August 16, 2010, McGrady signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Pistons.

<center><strong>Signs with Pistons</center></strong><br>On August 16, 2010, McGrady signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Pistons.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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<center><strong>Signs with Hawks</center></strong><br>On December 7, 2011, McGrady agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks for the veteran minimum.

<center><strong>Signs with Hawks</center></strong><br>On December 7, 2011, McGrady agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks for the veteran minimum.

Photo: Brian Babineau / NBAE via Getty Images

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<center><strong>Signs with Qingdao Eagles in China</center></strong><br>On October 9, 2012, McGrady signed a one-year deal with the Qingdao Eagles of the Chinese Basketball Association. less

<center><strong>Signs with Qingdao Eagles in China</center></strong><br>On October 9, 2012, McGrady signed a one-year deal with the Qingdao Eagles of the Chinese Basketball ... more

Photo: Imaginechina

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<center><strong>Signs with Spurs</center></strong><br> On April 16, 2013, McGrady made his return to the NBA as he joined San Antonio for the rest of the 2012-13 season. During the team's NBA Finals run, T-Mac appeared in six games. less

<center><strong>Signs with Spurs</center></strong><br> On April 16, 2013, McGrady made his return to the NBA as he joined San Antonio for the rest of the 2012-13 season. During the team's NBA Finals run, T-Mac ... more

Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images

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Tracy McGrady acknowledges interest in pitching for Skeeters

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Former Rockets All-Star Tracy McGrady, who has been working with seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens, released a statement on his Facebook page declaring his interest in pitching for the Sugar Land Skeeters.

“As some of you may have heard, I have been practicing with The Sugar Land Skeeters, and working out at Constellation Field,” McGrady’s statement read. “It has been a longtime childhood dream to play baseball and for the past few months I have worked on my pitching with the team. Don’t yet know where this will go but I do know I am having a great time and throwing pretty well. Love the game of baseball and always wanted to give it a try. Feels like I am a kid again, playing a sport for the pure love of the game. @SL_Skeeters @AtlanticLg”

The Skeeters also released a statement.

“Tracy McGrady is one of the most elite athletes of this era and we appreciate his interest in pursuing a life-long dream with the Sugar Land Skeeters and the Atlantic League. While the Atlantic League is considered the highest level of baseball outside of Major League Baseball, McGrady has demonstrated skill, determination and diligence during his training program at Constellation Field. We look forward to monitoring his progress.”

McGrady has reportedly reached 90-mph on his fastball, but he remains a work in progress.

“He’s not there yet,” Clemens told the Houston Chronicle via text last weekend when asked if McGrady had a chance to pitch for the Skeeters. “(He) needs more time and needs to react to live hitters and balls coming back (toward) him.”

Been working out at Constellation Field w Sugar Land Skeeters. Working on my pitch. Childhood Dream coming true. @SL_Skeeters@AtlanticLg

Sugar Land Skeeters mascot "Moe" rounds the bases between innings as the Skeeters play the York Revolution at Constellation Field on Friday, June 28, 2013, in Sugar Land.

Sugar Land Skeeters mascot "Moe" rounds the bases between innings as the Skeeters play the York Revolution at Constellation Field on Friday, June 28, 2013, in Sugar Land.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Fans relax in large wooden rocking chairs as they watch the Skeeters play the Revolution

Fans relax in large wooden rocking chairs as they watch the Skeeters play the Revolution

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Youngsters enjoy the baseball themed splash pad just over the right field wall.

Youngsters enjoy the baseball themed splash pad just over the right field wall.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball logo is on display atop the visitors dugout.

The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball logo is on display atop the visitors dugout.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Skeeters catcher Koby Clemens signs autographs for fans after a victory over the York Revolution. Clemens hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to give the Skeeters 12-11 walk-off win.

Skeeters catcher Koby Clemens signs autographs for fans after a victory over the York Revolution. Clemens hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to give the Skeeters 12-11 walk-off win.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Skeeters infielder Russell Mitchell puts the tag on a York Revolution during a rundown between third base and home.

Skeeters infielder Russell Mitchell puts the tag on a York Revolution during a rundown between third base and home.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Seat emblems bear the names of season ticket holders as fans arrive before the game.

Seat emblems bear the names of season ticket holders as fans arrive before the game.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Fans arrive to watch the Skeeters play the York Revolution.

Fans arrive to watch the Skeeters play the York Revolution.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Skeeters catcher Koby Clemens (22) leaps into his teammates with the winning run of a victory over the York Revolution. Clemens hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to give the Skeeters 12-11 walk-off win. less

Skeeters catcher Koby Clemens (22) leaps into his teammates with the winning run of a victory over the York Revolution. Clemens hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to give the Skeeters 12-11 ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Skeeters catcher Koby Clemens is doused with water by his teammates after a victory over the York Revolution.

Skeeters catcher Koby Clemens is doused with water by his teammates after a victory over the York Revolution.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Youngsters enjoy the baseball themed splash pad just over the right field wall.

Youngsters enjoy the baseball themed splash pad just over the right field wall.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Fans participate in a promotion between innings.

Fans participate in a promotion between innings.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Skeeters manager Gary Gaetti, right, congratulates Aaron Bates during a game against the York Revolution.

Skeeters manager Gary Gaetti, right, congratulates Aaron Bates during a game against the York Revolution.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Skeeters fans wear t-shirts bearing the team chant "We will, We will, Bit You!" as they watch their team play the York Revolution.

Skeeters fans wear t-shirts bearing the team chant "We will, We will, Bit You!" as they watch their team play the York Revolution.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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York Revolution outfielder Eric Patterson makes a catch in front of the carousel in left field.

York Revolution outfielder Eric Patterson makes a catch in front of the carousel in left field.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Fans fill a boot with donations as the Skeeters play the York Revolution. Anytime a Skeeters player hits a home run or a pitcher strikes out the side, a boot will be passed around the stadium to collect money. The proceeds from this night's "Pass the Boot" were donated to support fallen firefighters from the 5-alarm blaze in a motel in Southwest Houston. less

Fans fill a boot with donations as the Skeeters play the York Revolution. Anytime a Skeeters player hits a home run or a pitcher strikes out the side, a boot will be passed around the stadium to collect money. ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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An umpire tosses a ball into the crowd.

An umpire tosses a ball into the crowd.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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A crowd of 5,111 watches the Sugar Land Skeeters play the York Revolution at Constellation Field.

A crowd of 5,111 watches the Sugar Land Skeeters play the York Revolution at Constellation Field.